Third-quarter sales of existing homes in the Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties reflected a statewide slowdown, but median prices held steady or increased, according to results from an industry survey.
The statewide housing sales third-quarter slowed from the previous two years, the New York State Association of Realtors said in a recent report.
Statewide sales of existing homes were 24,159 this year, compared with 27,693 and 30,028 for the same period in 2007 and 2006, respectively, the association said. Median prices were $220,000 this year, down from $235,000 last year and $251,490 for the third quarter in 2006. Year-to-date sales and prices also were down.
In Otsego County, third-quarter results were 97 existing homes sold, down from 116 in 2007 and 105 in 2006. Median prices for the quarters were $135,000 this year, $129,500 last year and $124,500 in 2006.
The association reported third-quarter sales in Delaware County at 46, 45 and 47 in the past three years, with median sales prices of $109,500, $120,000 and $90,000.
Chenango County third-quarter results were 104, 125 and 138 for the last three years, with median prices at $103,230, $90,000 and $85,950.
Duncan R. MacKenzie, NYSAR chief executive officer, attributed the slowdown to the downtown in the economy and the tight credit market.
Stamford village economy study to be presented
The Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council will provide food for thought about Stamford's future as it plays host to Elan Planning and Design of Saratoga Springs at 5 p.m. Jan. 21.
The firm will give a final market analysis at the Stamford Village Hall, a media release from the local not-for-profit WCCRC said.
"This meeting is the culmination of two years of work by the staff of Western Catskills, the Greater Stamford Area Chamber of Commerce and Elan Planning and Design,'' Linda Stratigos, executive director of WCCRC, said in a prepared statement.
``We hope current businesses, anyone thinking of starting a business and community members will make use of this valuable information,'' she continued. ``Main Street is Stamford's most important asset, and the community must make every effort possible to preserve it and help businesses prosper."
The analysis contains demographic, marketing and income information that could be useful for local businesses and not-for-profits in tailoring merchandise or programs to customers.
The preliminary presentation to the Greater Stamford Area Chamber of Commerce demonstrated that the area would benefit by offering "things to do" such as art galleries and performance art and to sell high-quality merchandise, the release said. The study indicates that the village can capitalize on its distinctive Victorian architecture, its location and its beautiful mountain village setting.
Also, the presentation will include preliminary drawings for park and streetscape renovations in the village, organizers said.
For more information, call Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council, call 652-2823.
NBDC gains five-star rating
Patrick R. Galloway, president of National Bank of Delaware County, said the bank has received a five-star rating from Bauer Financial for the 78th consecutive quarter.
Karen Dorway, president of the independent bank-rating firm, said that some banks ignored proper loan underwriting standards in recent years. The five-star rating is an assurance to customers that their money is safe, she said.
"NBDC is a prime example of a bank that stuck to traditional, conservative banking strategies,'' she said, and it "is a model of banking safety and soundness."
___
To suggest a business story, announce a new business or changes to an existing one, e-mail drichardson@thedailystar.com or call Denise Richardson at 432-1000 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 213.
